A simple five-minute yoga break for your kids (or you) can shift their energy in a positive way. Sun salutations are an ideal way to achieve this, as they combine breath and poses in a flow sequence to help calm the mind, improve concentration, and build strength and flexibility.

These playful sun salutations are perfect for waking up the body in the morning, combatting summer restlessness, or calming school-year anxiety.

Remember, with kids' yoga, it's best to give only guidance and then let them explore their own bodies. Don't correct them. Let them have fun with the practice and make it their own.

Greeting (Mountain Pose)

Come to standing with feet together or shoulder-width apart. Lift your toes, spread them wide, then place them back on the ground. Feel your feet root down into the ground. Keep your legs strong and straight, belly in, shoulders relaxed, and the crown of your head reaching toward the sky. Bring the palms of your hands together in front of your heart and smile.

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Reach (Tadasana)

From greeting, reach your arms up overhead. Reach higher with your right arm, feeling the stretch in your side body. Then reach higher with your left arm, feeling the stretch on the other side. Alternate your reaching a few times, pretending to catch the clouds as they pass by.

Monkey Pose

From standing, take your feet wide. Keeping your legs strong and straight, hinge forward at the hips, letting your upper body, head, and arms relax down toward the floor. Reach your right hand to your left foot, then left hand to right foot. Continue alternating back and forth, making monkey sounds as you go.

Downward Dog

From frog pose, plant your hands below your shoulders. Walk your feet toward the back of the mat and send your tail up to the sky, creating an upside-down V with your body. Now, wag your tail left and right like a happy dog.

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Snake Pose

Lie on your belly, with your chin on the floor. Bring your legs together. Place your palms flat on the floor under your shoulders. Inhale, lifting your head and chest off the floor. Keeping your elbows in, press into your palms to lift higher. Relax your shoulders, look up toward the sky, and slither back and forth.